The body of Ankush, the cousin of Union Industries Minister Narayan Rane [Images], was found near Kankavli town in Sindhudurg district, a senior police official said on Sunday.

"From the preliminary information that we have received, it seems that the body found near Kankavli is that of Narayan Rane's cousin Ankush," said Director General of Police S S Virk.

"A case of murder has been registered and further investigations are on in the matter," he said, adding that measures are being taken to ensure law and order in the area. Police officials at Kankavli said Ankush's body was found approximately 25 km from Kankavali, near Nandgaon.

"The face of the body has been disfigured but other things indicate that it is the body of Ankush," Superintendent of Police (Sindhudurg) Ravindra Shisve said.

A missing persons report had been filed after Ankush went missing while on his way home from Kankavli market. Some blood stained articles belonging to him were found near his house.

Rane had earlier blamed the Shiv Sena [Images] for his cousin's disappearance.